Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageSommersby (1993)
Director: Jon Amiel
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Seven years after leaving to fight in the Civil War, Jack Sommersby (Gere) returns to his wife (Foster), son and Tennessee home a changed man. Formerly a brute and none-too-successful plantation owner, he credits his much-improved personality to what he learned from a fellow PoW, now dead. But is he Jack? The doubt, strongest in his wife's mind but also entertained by the community, is swept aside, thanks to the happiness and prosperity he brings. But accusations of murder are less easily ignored... This sumptuous Hollywood remake of The Return of Martin Guerre is better than one might expect (though Jack comes over as far too much the modern New Man: sensitive hubby, visionary businessman, committed to racial equality, etc). The solid script makes the most of the dilemmas and paradoxes of the couple's predicament; Philippe Rousselot's photography manages to be lyrical without becoming too cloyingly picturesque; and surprisingly (the only surprise in this craftsmanlike but unremarkable movie), it doesn't cop out at the end.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Jon Amiel
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Steven Reuther
Cast: Richard Gere, Jodie Foster, Bill Pullman, James Earl Jones, Lanny Flaherty, William Windom full cast
Genre(s): Period/Swashbucklers
Duration: 113 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing
What do you think?
Post your review now